Gujarat news: The attacks against migrants from UP and Bihar were triggered following the arrest of a man hailing from Bihar in connection with the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district.

Ahmedabad: Gujarat continued to remain under tightened security on Monday following spate attacks on non-Gujaratis, mainly migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the past four to five days. The Gujarat Police has so far arrested 342 people from several parts of the state in connection with the attacks. The violence was triggered following the arrest of a man hailing from Bihar in connection with the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district. The rape allegedly took place on September 28 and following the man’s arrest, hate messages were circulated on social media and non-Gujaratis were targeted.

"Six districts have mainly been affected (by the violence), with Mehsana and Sabarkantha being the worst-hit. In these districts, 42 cases have been lodged and so far we have arrested 342 accused. More arrests will be made as names of the accused come up during the investigation," state Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told reporters on Sunday.

Here are six things about the violence in Gujarat that you need to know:

Gujarat Home Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja on Monday admitted that people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been targeted in the state over the past 4-5 days. “We have taken action against people involved in these attacks. Police are interrogating the people who have been arrested for these attacks,” the minister was quoted as saying by ANI. The minister informed that three cases have been registered under the Information Technology Act for spreading hate messages on social media. “Police are taking action wherever needed. It is our responsibility to provide security to those who come to Gujarat for employment from other states. We are in touch with the Central government. We have submitted a report to the Central government regarding every incident,” the Gujarat Home Minister said.

The minister said the number of cases of such violence has decreased over the past 24 hours and that a total of 35 FIRs have been filed so far. “We appeal to people to not be frightened as we are taking appropriate actions,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar from where people have been targeted in Gujarat, said he is in touch with authorities in Gujarat and demanded strict action against the perpetrators of the attacks. “I spoke to Gujarat CM yesterday. We're in touch with them. They're monitoring the situation. Those who've committed the crime should be punished but no bias should be harboured for others,” Nitish Kumar said.

Also, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath is reported to have spoken to his Gujarat counterpart in connection with the attacks. "I spoke to Gujarat CM, he told me that no incident has taken place in last three days. Gujarat is a peaceful state. People should not pay heed to rumours. Gujarat government has taken effective steps," he said.

According to DGP Jha, 17 companies of State Reserve Police (SRP) have been deployed in areas affected by the violence. "Security of areas inhabited by non-Gujaratis and the factories where they work has been increased. Police have also increased patrols in these areas," he added.

There have been reports of a mass exodus of migrants from Gujarat following the violence. The DGP said the people might be heading back home in view of the upcoming festive season. "If people are leaving for home for a festival, it should not be seen otherwise. I have told my officers to visit residential areas, and if required, visit bus stands and railway stations and if people are found leaving due to fear, (then to) persuade them to come back," he said, as per a PTI report.

UP, Bihar CMs speak to Gujarat counterpart over violence following rape incident – 6 pointsDescription:Gujarat news: The attacks against migrants from UP and Bihar were triggered following the arrest of a man hailing from Bihar in connection with the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district.Times Now